Here’s a link to my full story on today’s nearly four-hour hearing on SB 1112a, the day care licensing bill. The bill’s fate is uncertain at this point; the House Health & Welfare Committee voted to hold it at the call of the chairwoman, with…
The House Health & Welfare Committee has voted to delay a decision on SB 1112, the day-care licensing bill, after an hours-long hearing at which testimony was overwhelmingly in favor of the bill. "Regulation by itself won't solve these problems," said Rep. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett.…
It's now after 5:30 p.m. in Boise, and the House Health & Welfare Committee hearing on the child-care licensing bill is still going. So far, 13 people have testified in favor of the bill, and one, former home day-care operator Kimberly Hoffman, testified against. Those…
A young mother from Twin Falls just shared a chilling story with the House Health & Welfare Committee. She interviewed an array of day-care operators before picking the one who seemed just right for her 5-month-old daughter, for summer day-care. The woman watched between four…
Rep. George Sayler, D-Coeur d'Alene, who has pushed for basic child care licensing legislation for the past five years, told the House Health & Welfare Committee this afternoon, "I think it's the state's responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for child care. It's…
The crowd fills the room and is spilling out the door at the House Health & Welfare Committee today, which is holding a hearing on SB 1112, the bill to set basic, minimum standards for all Idaho day care centers, including criminal background checks. The…
Every House Democrat voted against HB 262, the second controversial school funding cut bill to pass the House this week. They were joined by two House Republicans: Reps. Bob Schaefer, R-Nampa, and Tom Trail, R-Moscow. All other House Republicans voted in favor of the bill,…
The House has voted 49-20 for HB 262, to cut $8.1 million from school funding next year by freezing movement on the teacher salary schedule for increased experience for a year, and phasing out an early retirement incentive. "Tough issues call for tough votes, and…
Debate is going again in the House on HB 262. Reps. Branden Durst and Bill Killen, both Boise Democrats, went first, both opposing the bill. "Do you really think that cutting school funding will preserve programs and learning opportunities for our children and grandchildren?" Killen…
Gov. Butch Otter's legislation to do away with Idaho's 62-year-old quota system for liquor licenses cleared the state Senate today on a 23-12 vote, and now heads to the House. Among the concerns raised by opponents was that the measure would weaken penalties for those…
The House has recessed, mid-debate on HB 262, for a lunch break until 1:30. When Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, made the motion, there were a few groans. Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke quickly seconded the motion, and it passed, so the debate will resume…
House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, speaking in favor of HB 262, the bill to trim teacher pay and retirement incentives, told the House, "Let's keep in mind that none of us are enjoying this process - it's the economy. It's not mean-spiritedness. ...…
Rep. Liz Chavez, D-Lewiston, a retired teacher, told the House she experienced a pay freeze during her teaching career and it had a major impact on her retirement. "I don't mind sharing that my monthly retirement check, after teaching for 30 years, is $1,100," she…
After two procedural challenges to HB 262 failed, House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, drew laughter in the House when he said, "You might've guessed I don't like this bill." Rusche said the bill's provisions were rejected when all interests came together to negotiate consensus…
Now, House Democrats have moved, unsuccessfully, to send HB 262 to the House's amending order. Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, said he wanted the "objectionable" parts removed. Several Democratic representatives spoke in favor of the motion; some said the bill's fiscal note was incorrect. Rep. Bob…
House Democrats have tried a procedural maneuver, to get HB 262 sent back to committee to divide it into two separate bills. The bill would freeze teacher pay increases on the salary grid for a year, and phase out an early retirement incentive. "The Idaho…
An earlier decision by JFAC to cut positions at the Office of Species Conservation was reconsidered in the joint committee this morning and reversed. Some of the backers of the original cut said they were mistaken, and apologized. "I'm thinking that the motion that passed…
The budget set in JFAC this morning for the Idaho State Police makes up a $2.8 million revenue shortfall at ISP that wasn't covered in the governor's budget recommendation by shifting around dedicated funds in the department. The result is a budget for next year…
There was no debate and no discussion on the equally bare-bones budget for community colleges that followed the university budget-setting this morning. Community colleges will take an 11 percent cut in their state general funds next year, under the budget, but see a 5.4 percent…
Legislative budget writers have approved a "bare-bones" budget for Idaho's four-year colleges and universities that cuts 14.7 percent from their state general-fund money for next year, but gives them a 5.8 percent cut in overall funding, thanks in part to plugging in some federal stimulus…
News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.
